Table of Contents[Hide][Show]
- LISTEN TO THE PODCAST
- PODCAST CHAPTERS
- Berberine and Metformin Explained
- What is Berberine?
- Berberine for Better Blood Glucose Control
- How Does Berberine Work?
- Berberine May Assist With Weight Loss
- Berberine May Lower Cholesterol
- Berberine for Diabetic Complications
- Does Berberine Help With Diabetes
- Berberine Side Effects
- Berberine Dosage
- Best Berberine Supplement
Berberine vs Metformin Q&A +−
- Does berberine work as well as metformin?
- Can you take berberine instead of metformin?
- Can you take berberine and metformin together?
- Can you wean off metformin and introduce berberine?
- Metformin and berberine side effects?
- What is the berberine dosage for diabetes?
- What is the best berberine supplement?
After delving into the research on berberine for diabetes, it really is quite amazing to see it’s potential to help control blood sugar levels as effectively as metformin and other medications.
Here you’ll discover how the ancient remedy berberine not only rivals pharmaceuticals such as Metformin in controlling blood sugar but also enhances insulin sensitivity, manages cholesterol, reduces inflammation, and more.
LISTEN TO THE PODCAST
PODCAST CHAPTERS
3:19 What is Berberine?
3:59 Berberine’s Cellular Impact For Diabetes Health
7:09 Berberine and Metformin for Blood Sugar and A1c Compared
10:02 Berberine vs Metformin or Glipizide
11:52 Berberine For Insulin Resistance
13:44 Berberine For Inflammation
14:34 Q&A
14:38 > Does berberine work as well as metformin?
14:56 > Can you take berberine instead of metformin?
15:17 > Can you take berberine and metformin together?
15:51 Berberine For Weight Loss, Cholesterol & Diabetes Complications
18:09 Side Effects of Berberine
20:05 Berberine Dosage For Diabetes
The supplement we recommend is Berberine HCL
The dietary additive is made completely natural and does not contain any synthetic product.
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Berberine and Metformin Explained
To confirm the research-based benefits of berberine in clinical practice, we spoke to two physicians about berberine, Dr. Ralph Esposito, Naturopathic Physician and Licensed Acupuncturist, and Dr. Mona Morstein, Naturopathic Physician and Author.
Right out of the gate, Dr. Esposito shares that he prescribes berberine to his patients on a regular basis. So too does Dr. Morstein.
Of course, no supplement routine is going to perform miracles without adherence to a great nutrition program.
But when nutritional changes and berberine are combined, “I find these two combinations work exceptionally well and most of my patients are eventually able to get off most of their medications for diabetes,” says Dr. Esposito.
And as already suggested above, berberine has even been shown to outperform several medications.
What is Berberine?
Berberine is a compound originally extracted from the Chinese herb – coptis chinensis (Huanglian). But according to Dr. Morstein, it can be found in many different botanicals: Barberry, Oregon Grape, Goldenseal, Chinese goldthread, California poppy, and others.
Even though berberine may be new to you, it has been around for a long time – being used in folk medicine, along with traditional Chinese, Indian and Middle-Eastern medicine for over 400 years.
So, not surprisingly, this yellow-colored, alkaloid compound is now being studied by avid scientists for its numerous health benefits, which include:
- lowering blood glucose
- improving metabolism
- assisting with weight loss
- boosting heart health
And of course, the most interesting benefit to you as a person with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes, is berberines’ ability to help improve blood glucose control.
Berberine for Better Blood Glucose Control
Quite amazingly, berberine has been shown to help control blood sugar levels as effectively as metformin – one of the most widely-prescribed diabetes drugs worldwide.
Researchers compared the glucose-lowering effects of berberine and metformin in newly diagnosed adults with type 2 diabetes, over the course of 13 weeks.
The randomized groups were given either 500 mg of berberine per day, 3 times per day, or 500 mg metformin, 3 times per day after meals. If people experienced any gastrointestinal side effects from the berberine, their dosage was reduced to 300 mg, 3 times per day.
The results at the conclusion of the study showed that the glucose-lowering effect of berberine was highly similar to that of metformin. And in fact, outperforming it for A1c reduction!
Metformin
- A1c reduced by 1.43%
- Postprandial (after meal) blood glucose levels reduced by 138.1 mg/dL (7.67 mmol/l)
- Fasting blood glucose reduced by 50.4 mg/dL (2.8 mmol/l)
Berberine
- A1c reduced by 1.99%
- Postprandial (after meal) blood glucose levels reduced by 158 mg/dL (8.78 mmol/l)
- Fasting blood glucose reduced by 68 mg/dL (3.78 mmol/l)
“This study of berberine against metformin at equal doses was very impressive, with berberine lowering A1C by 2%, which is higher than any conventional oral hypoglycemics have been shown to lower A1C in the same time,” says Dr. Morstein.
The same study also set a secondary study with combination therapy, adding 500 mg of berberine alongside metformin for an additional 5 weeks. Fasting blood glucose showed a dramatic reduction and A1c reduced by 0.8%.
Results from a review of clinical trials also demonstrate that berberine stands up against diabetic medications:
Berberine vs metformin – 500 mg per day, 3 times per day berberine vs 0.75 g metformin – no difference in fasting blood glucose and A1c – meaning they performed the same.
Berberine vs rosiglitazone – Two clinical trials demonstrated that berberine performs better than the medication rosiglitazone for lowering fasting blood glucose, with no difference between the two for A1c reductions.
Berberine vs glipizide – no significant difference in the fasting blood glucose outcomes for groups.
What about when berberine is taken in conjunction with other medications? Well, let’s take a closer look…
Berberine + metformin vs metformin – 5 trials have demonstrated combination therapy improves fasting blood glucose and A1c more than using metformin alone.
Berberine + glipizide vs glipizide – one trial has shown that combo therapy may be more beneficial for lowering postprandial blood glucose.
How Does Berberine Work?
To help get your head around how berberine works, let’s do a quick recap of insulin and insulin resistance.
Insulin is the hormone produced by your pancreas that is needed to help glucose (sugar) move out of your bloodstream and into the cells (such as muscle and liver cells). On the outside of cells lies ‘insulin receptors’ and under normal circumstances, insulin acts as the key to unlock the cells so that clearing of the bloodstream can occur.
There’s just one problem: when you have type 2 diabetes and prediabetes, chances are you have insulin resistance. This means insulin does not unlock the door. Your cells don’t respond.
Another important thing to recognize is it’s not just the pancreas and insulin involved here. Your liver plays a critical role in insulin resistance, along with energy metabolism as well.
Now that you have those concepts in mind, let’s move on to how berberine works…
Dr. Morstein explains that berberine influences the AMPK pathway (adenosine monophosphase-activated protein kinase). “The AMPK is a cellular enzyme that is a regulator for how energy is produced and used in body cells,” she explains. “It induces numerous events in the cells involved in helping the body maintain its energy needs. If a cell is low in energy the AMPK signals the production of more energy. And it also regulates activities such as lipid and glucose production.”
“When insulin resistance is occurring the AMPK regulated pathways are shut off, triggering the development of hyperglycemia, increased cholesterol and triglycerides, and of course, diabetes,” Dr. Morstein continues. “If the AMPK is once again activated, as it can be with the addition of berberine, those pathways can be corrected and therefore, initiate weight loss, energy burning and reduced glucose and lipids.”
“In Western botanical medicine, berberine is considered an “alterative,” that is, an herb that helps support the functioning and health of the liver, and the production and secretion of bile. The liver is a key organ for insulin resistance, and most obese patients have fatty liver. Therefore, supporting liver health and functioning is an added bonus to using berberine,” adds Dr. Morstein.
Indeed, research on liver cells shows that berberine increases the expression of insulin receptors by as much as 40%, making them more sensitive to insulin so they can unlock those cell doors.
Similarly, berberine also improves insulin sensitivity in muscle cells, increasing the activity of glucose transporters, and therefore improving overall glucose metabolism.
Additionally, berberine alters glucose metabolism by stimulating glycolysis – a pathway of nutrient metabolism that can become disrupted in diabetes and prediabetes. Glycolysis is the pathway that assists with utilizing and storing glucose in the body.
Another function of berberine is it suppresses gluconeogenesis, the production of glucose in the liver. If you have high morning blood sugar levels, this is often the result of gluconeogenesis – your liver producing glucose, along with your body’s lack of ability to hormonally counteract/control these effects.
Other potential mechanisms of berberine include:
- Influencing intricate cellular transcription factors
- Improving pancreatic function and stimulating insulin secretion
- Increasing glucose uptake and decreasing glucose absorption
- Reducing inflammation
In any case, the results of studies clearly show that berberine could be a beneficial inclusion to your diabetes or prediabetes treatment plan, either in solo or as a combo therapy alongside the medications you already take.
Yes, that’s right. You can even take it alongside medications you already take, as the studies above showed. And these effects are being seen in real life scenarios.
“Oftentimes my diabetic patients are already taking prescription medications for their diabetes,” says Dr. Esposito. “I have seen berberine work exceptionally well alone, and I often begin first with berberine capsules and nutritional therapy. If those are not providing benefit, I find berberine to work well with Metformin as well. Generally berberine is safe and effective with other diabetic drugs,” he said.
Of course, it’s always recommended to work with your doctor if you’re considering taking any supplements, especially if you currently take medications.
Please pin, tweet or share; then keep reading about it’s other benefits below.
Berberine May Assist With Weight Loss
As already indicated above, the influence of berberine doesn’t stop at better blood glucose control.
In terms of weight, berberine helps prevent fat deposits by influencing cellular regulators of fat accumulation, and by downgrading inflammation – a known driver of obesity.
In a 12 week study in obese adults, 500 mg of berberine 3 times per day produced a modest weight loss of 5 pounds (2.2 kg).
Another study in men and women with metabolic syndrome, given 300 mg of berberine 3 times per day for 3 months, showed an improvement in Body Mass Index (BMI), along with a reduction in belly fat.
Berberine May Lower Cholesterol
In terms of cholesterol improvements, researchers suggest berberine helps stabilize the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) messenger RNA – yes, very scientific but important because these mechanisms assist the body to regulate cholesterol more efficiently.
One study in rats found that combining berberine with the cholesterol lowering drug known as simvastatin (a statin) improved the cholesterol-lowering effect of the drug and produced a 31.8% reduction in LDL cholesterol, which was more effective than either of the therapies used alone, producing an average 28% reduction.
The researchers then went on to test these effects in hypercholesterolemic patients and also found a positive result – the combo therapy produced a 31.8% reduction in LDL cholesterol.
A review of several clinical trials confirms that taking berberine alone was more effective than taking lipid lowering drugs. And not surprisingly, taking lipid lowering drugs + berberine was more effective than taking lipid lowering drugs on their own.
Berberine for Diabetic Complications
The development of many of the associated diabetic complications is due to endothelial dysfunction, or in other words, damage to the lining of the blood vessels in your body.
This includes complications such as cardiovascular disease, neuropathy, and nephropathy.
Berberine has been shown to improve endothelial function, which subsequently reduces risk of damage and may even restore function on various levels.
In terms of heart disease, lowering cholesterol and blood glucose protects you. And we already know berberine can help with that. But additionally, researchers suggest berberine directly protects the cardiovascular system by directly modulating sympathetic heart activity – this basically means there is some influence on the bodies sympathetic nervous system.
And in rats, this effect has been shown to reduce the impact of heart attacks.
In rats, berberine has been shown to improve renal function in nephropathy. And nerve conductivity in neuropathy.
One of Dr. Esposito’s areas of specialization in clinical practice is helping men overcome erectile dysfunction in diabetes – yes urological issues are a complication of diabetes.
He suggests that his patients see great improvements when taking berberine accompanied by lifestyle changes, saying they usually come off any medications they are taking for the condition.
Does Berberine Help With Diabetes
The following benefits have been found to support berberine supplementation in type 2 diabetes, and berberine for prediabetes:
- Lowers blood glucose
- Lowers A1c
- Lowers insulin resistance and improves insulin sensitivity
- Lower cholesterol
- Aids weight loss and reduces weight gain
- Reduces risk of damage from diabetic complications
Additionally, “berberine is also a good antimicrobial agent, both for pathogens in the gastrointestinal tract, and for upper respiratory infections,” advises Dr. Morstein. “It may also increase beneficial bacteria in the intestinal tract, which has systemic benefits.”
“People with high glucose levels have decreased immune system functioning, so boosting immune protection by way of altering gut bacteria is another benefit of berberine. Berberine is an anti-inflammatory agent as well. It can lower inflammatory molecules that promote insulin resistance, steatohepatitis, and depression,” adds Dr. Morstein.
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Berberine Side Effects
Possible side effects include gastrointestinal problems such as constipation, stomach cramps, nausea and diarrhea.
It is best to take berberine with a meal to reduce the likelihood of gastric upsets.
Berberine can also interact with a certain class of antibiotics called macrolide antibiotics.
Berberine should not be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Berberine Dosage
Most studies suggest a dosage recommendation of 3 separate doses of 500 mg of berberine daily, taken in capsule form. Or if you experience stomach upset, a reduced amount of 300 mg 3 times per day.
Both Dr. Morstein and Esposito confirm that this is the dosage used in clinical practice to produce effective results with their patients.
When you regain good control, you should be able to come off supplements, just as you do with medications. However, both doctors also agree that taking berberine long term is safe and preventative if necessary.
And remember, supplements are there to provide assistance but are best used in conjunction with diet and lifestyle changes.
Best Berberine Supplement
One of the best brands we’ve seen is the Berberine HCL.
Compared to other brands Berberine HCL is made completely natural and does not contain any synthetic product.
Berberine HCL from Berberis Aristata Root for Support Immunity and Intestinal Health, Vegetable Capsules 120 Servings 4 Month Supply.
Berberine vs Metformin Q&A
Does berberine work as well as metformin?
The evidence clearly shows berberine works as well if not better than Metformin. When berberine has been compared to Metformin in randomized controlled trials, the groups taking berberine had better improvements in A1c, fasting blood sugar, postprandial blood sugar and insulin resistance.
Can you take berberine instead of metformin?
Absolutely yes you can! If you don’t want to take medication, berberine is a fantastic alternative. If you’re currently taking metformin but want to stop with prescription meds, speak to your doctor about trialing berberine instead.
Can you take berberine and metformin together?
Yes you can. In studies where metformin was taken alongside berberine, the results people achieved were often better. The combination therapy of berberine and metformin together achieves better improvements in A1c, fasting blood sugar, postprandial blood sugar and insulin resistance.
Can you wean off metformin and introduce berberine?
Yes, and this could be an important conversation to have with your doctor if they are hesitant about reducing or stopping your medication. You could speak to your doctor about introducing 500mg at a time, while reducing metformin by 500mg at a time. Keep a log of your numbers so you can both assess the impact of the changed treatment.
Metformin and berberine side effects?
The most common side effects of both are gastric side effects like constipation, stomach cramps, nausea and diarrhea. These are more common with metformin but can also happen with berberine too. Berberine is a bitter compound, which is why you need to take berberine with food.
What is the berberine dosage for diabetes?
The recommended berberine dosage is 500 mg daily 3 times per day, taken with food to minimize any gastric side effects. Or if you experience stomach upset, take a reduced amount of 300 mg 3 times per day.
What is the best berberine supplement?
The brand we recommend is Berberine HCL is made completely natural and does not contain any synthetic product.
Please pin, tweet or share this info to help others – thanks!
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I have been taking metformin 500X4 a day for 2 +years.About 5 months ago I added 2 Berberine 400 to that regiment.
I dont work out as much as i did before,I am waiting for a Knee replacement next month,so mainly walking and TRYING to eat healthier.in 4 months my weight has dropped about 18 lbs,and even though I need that knee replacement,it has taken off a lot of loint pain due to the less weight.It has some abdominal side effects but could be the Metformin.I will know more at the presurgery consult next month.Now if it could just cure allergies!
Does Berberine interfere with the bodies manufacture of anti-cancer proteins?
LVA, cancer isn’t our area of research/specialization but studies have noted Berberine for its potential anti-cancer properties, suggesting it may influence cancer-related pathways by inducing cell apoptosis and inhibiting cell proliferation. However, further human studies are needed to fully understand its interactions with specific anti-cancer proteins. If you are considering taking it alongside other health conditions, please do consult with your medical doctor.
I want to know how or where do I get it? Do I order it or is it over the counter?
Joyce, One of the best berberine brands we’ve seen and recommend is the Toniiq Purified High Strength Berberine. It’s got no hidden ingredients like rice flour, which add fluff but no substance. Compared to other brands Toniiq Berberine is an elevated type of berberine that’s bioavailable – which means the body can use it more effectively.
Berberine comes in several forms – like most herbals. It’s important to know which forms were used in clinical studies and which is the optimum form for your own consumption. What form is recommended – plant powder or extract?
Extract has only been used in a few studies. There’s a good table overview of studies here.
My wife is struggling with Type Two Diabetes. She apparently experienced a minor stoke three years about that left her with extreme vertigo. She had back surgery in 2021 to rebuild her osteoporosis weakened/collapsed spine. She cannot exercise or walk without spinning or fear of falling. Doctors appear to be more focused on her diabetic condition than the vertigo that impedes her any routine that might lower her blood glucose, A1C etc. I found your clinical article on the internet. Three weeks ago, after discovering a Berberine ad, I began to study all aspects of it. Your clinical article appears to completely sum up everything I have read. She has been taking berberine supplements for three weeks with meals and combined with metformin plus glipizide. Her blood glucose appears to be decreasing from sporadic numbers in the low 200’s, mid-180’s, mid-170’s to now mid to lower150’s. This is the most progress we have seen in three years. It is possible that once we get her glucose down, doctors may concentrate on her real problem, VERTIGO. Thank you for the article. Very Helpful. (And HOPEFUL. I am giving a summarized copy to her Primary Care Physician.
My A1C is 5.8. Fasting glucose 93. Cholesterol 173. How much barbarine should I take? Thanks
Hi Gwen, sorry we do not provide prescriptive advice for supplements.
My husband has to inject 1 a day in the mornings and takes Metformin can he take Berberine as most comments it’s about Type 2 diabetes.
Hi Judy, that would be a great question for your husband’s doctor. He will know your husbands medication and if there are any contraindications to starting berberine.
Thanks for the info.
I tried 500 mg cap of berberine along with metformin.
I exoerienced slight stomach upset so I dumped out half the capsule and still experienced stomach upset.
Will stomach upset diminish over time?
Also, can you give your opinion of ALA ( alpha lipoic acid) for diabetes 2 ?
Stomach upset isn’t common, though it’s more likely to occur with metformin. If it persists, it may not be right for you Bob. We have info on ALA here.
Is the amount of berberine that will fit in a size “0” capsule, 500 milligrams?
Thank you.
Hi Jesse, I can’t answer that question. Always follow the manufacturers label for quantities.
My blood sugars have been high for years and nothing i used worked on me, but i notice when my stress levels are high my sugars are high also can Berberine help me and what is the dose that will be affective to me.
Also do you recommend anything for stress and anxiety that actually works.
Note i am not over weight and i am i the normal range, my BP is close to normal.
Hello Stephen, you always want to check in with your physician before starting a supplement, especially if you are on any medications. With that said, most studies suggest a dosage recommendation of 3 separate doses of 500 mg of berberine daily. I would suggest reviewing our article on stress and diabetes to give you some ideas to help deal with stress and anxiety.
Hi
I take Berberine for 2 months, everything’s fine till one week. My blood sugar is high in the morning 7.3 to 7.4. I don’t know what to do
Thank you
Hi Adriana,
There could be numerous reasons your blood sugar is high in the morning– diet, sleep, stress, hormones, etc. all play a role.
I guess I have one of those questions you would not want to have to answer, but I’ll ask it anyway. I’m a 69 year old male with a A1C of 6.3 and on Metformin. I also am on Epclusa to kill off my Hep C infection, still have about 6 weeks to go on the therapy. My tests show that I may be cirrhotic F-4, have had the disease for many years. Have lost about 30 lbs since starting the treatment, down to 149 lbs at 5′ 10″ high. Can you see any situation, after coming off the Epclusa, where Berberine would be effective on my liver and control of BS. Don’t really know how much damage is done to the liver at this point. All I can say is that the last viral count (after starting the Epclusa) showed no active Hep C virus present. I feel good, just very weak from the Epclusa. I asked my doctor about Berberine and he said he had never heard of it. May God bless you richly for the care and concern you have for all of us seeking control of Blood Sugar. Shalom
John
Hi John,
Unfortunately, I can’t answer that question since I don’t know your full medical history and supplementing is always a tricky situation when there are other medications and the liver is involved. I wish I had a better answer for you!
Thank you Malorie
That’s what I expected and I thank you for your candor and honesty. Truthfully, my situation is hard to diagnose on-line like this. Probably the best thing is to wait until the entire Epclusa therapy is finished and then play it by ear once we find out what the true condition of the liver is. It has not lost function yet so I am hopeful that it is not decompensated so much as to block the flow of blood through it. I feel like I am walking on thin ice however and have been looking into supplements or anything else that might be helpful to my liver. Some things that you can eat with Diabetes are marked off the list with Liver Disease and vice versa … basically living off of eggs, tomatoes, green beans, walnuts, salads and chicken.
Anyway, thank you soooo much for your candor, honesty and attempts to help people in dire straights. Be whole in mind, body and spirit.
Shalom Aleichem
John
I researched all over the web (although I am NOT a doctor or M.D., just a HCV survivor, cured 2.5 years ago at age 62) and could not find anything about liver damage nor problems using bereberine with a damaged liver. I finally started glucose testing cause my fasting was at about 110 last year and according to these “test strips” now I’m at 115 – but I have been consuming a lot of starch (corn, potatoes, brown rice) lately but gratefully quit 99% of all processed foods about 5 years ago. I was borderline F3-F4 , and have now healed to middle F3 which is rare for chronic genotype 1a (probably 30 years) white male. I just started on the berberine and will post again in a few weeks. Strongly suggest you investigate using r-ALA and NAC and HepataPro – it costs some money but not as much as strong cigarette habit (or lots of meals at “fancy” restaurants). Shalom Craig
Does berberine reverse diabetes
There is no true “cure” for reversing diabetes from a diagnosis stand point. However, berberine can certainly be one piece of your treatment plan that helps bring your levels back to normal range– but you will need to pair it with a healthy diet and plenty of exercise. Make sure to check with your doctor prior to starting any new supplements.
I have been recently diagnosed as Type 2 diabetes. I am taking Trulicity , can I use Berberine in conjunction with Trulicity. I also have severe acid reflux and heartburn, and have had stomach issues since my 20’s and have been diagnosed with IBS.
You’ll need to check with your doctor, Vicci. He or she will need to take all of that into account prior to making a recommendation on the berberine.
I was diagnosed with high blood sugar. My numbers were right at the diabetic level. My doctor gave me 3 months to try and lower it on my own. I researched supplements and found an article for Berberine. I took 500 mg Berberine every day with a low carb diet and dropped my blood sugar numbers to normal. My liver numbers were also elevated and those numbers returned to normal at the end of the 3 months.
YES, fantastic isn’t it Rachelle. Berberine works effectively for many people.
Try dropping your sugar, grains and white potatoes. It worked miracles for my blood sugars.
Is berberine at all effective on high blood pressure? I am a type 2 diabetic who has finally brought my blood sugar, cholesterol, triglycerides down to near normal after many years of struggling with it. But the blood pressure has now gone up higher than it has ever been. Still working with doctor. Was on Lisinopril 5 mg for a year (and even that dose brought bp too low sometimes). Then bp started to go up. Was switched to Losartan and increased it to 100 mg and it still wasn’t working. Back to Lisinopril and now on 40mg and it’s only helping a little. I want to be so happy about the other lower numbers, and most especially my energy coming back after being so fatigued since 2012. It’s very perplexing. I read about berberine from Dr. Mercola, and he does say it can lower bp. Do you agree?
Hi Karen, during the course of our research we did not find a ton of strong evidence to support the use of berberine for hypertension (high blood pressure.) There are a lot of great animal studies coming out, which may mean promising things as far as future research, but I do believe we need to see a little bit more evidence before making the claim that berberine lowers blood pressure.
Check out this article on blood pressure which includes a few dietary suggestions as well as some additional supplements you may want to consider.
Is berberine effective for someone on both Metformin and insulin?
As you read in the article, berberine is very effective for many. The one caution is that you need to check with your doctor, because you are on medication your doctor may need to adjust your medication so that your blood sugar doesn’t drop too low. Do not attempt to adjust on your own!
What is a good brand of Berberine
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Thanks you
We do not promote a particular brand, so whichever is most easily accessible for you is a perfect choice. As mentioned in the article, the taste of berberine can be very strong, so picking a capsule will be better tolerated compared to a tincture or tea.
I have Type2 Diabetes -Just found out. A1c=10.1
Do you think i should try Berberine?
Thanks, John
John, it’s always recommended to check with your doctor if you’re considering taking any supplements! Through a combination of diet, exercise, and possibly medication and/or supplements your goal is to maintain a near normal A1c level, ideally under 6%.
Hi Jedha!
Thanks for all the wonderful information. I’ve really learnt a lot by reading your articles. I will appreciate it if you could please comment on coconut water for type 2 diabetics. What is its effect on glucose levels in the body? Is it ok for diabetics to consume? Thanks.
For some, coconut water can be included as part of a healthy diabetic diet. You need to check the nutrition label carefully and make sure it pure 100% coconut water, without any added sugar. In small amounts it may have some benefits. We’ve previously written an article about coconut water which you may find interesting!
A very in depth article and I’ve learned a lot about how berberine can help lower my high bs counts in the morning. Thank you so much for your on going educational info on how to take care of blood sugar levels and so many other conditions that affect many people!
can it be used in conjunction with metformin?
Yes berberine can be used in conjunction with metformin, if you read above, studies show that when taken with other meds like metformin, it enhances the outcomes for people. Just be aware it’s important to inform your healthcare team that you are taking this supplement and be aware of monitoring your levels. Since they are both effective at lowering blood sugar levels, the combination of the two could lead to hypoglycemia (blood sugar levels that are lower than ideal) in some.
I am hypoglycemic with fairly good numbers. My A1c is 4.7. Would Berberine be a bad idea for someone like me? I have been experiencing insulin resistant symptoms as well, and hoped that Berberine might be the answer. However, if it only lowers and doesn’t Addapt the blood sugar, I could see this being a problem. Most research I’ve read has not answered this question. What do you think?
Hi M. Since berberine is a highly effective blood sugar-lowering agent, it is not suitable for a person who is hypoglycemic.
Do you have any recommendations for brands of Berberine? I would like to try it, and want to choose a high quality supplement.